25 Years of Service at the Library

Ms Irene Dye
Library Staff member

I started working at the Seminary / Foundation for Theological Studies Library in 1991. At that time the Librarian was Ms Gemma Barbara, while Mr Ġużè Cassar Pullicino was the Archivist. Four years ago when Ms Barbara retired, Ms Dora Castorina was employed as the new Librarian.

In 1999, an extension to the Library was built in order to make space for the ever-increasing volumes of Journals that are received every year.
One particular change took place when we it was decided to have our Library records on the computer. This meant that we had to input all the books’ data in the shortest time possible.

I saw many changes taking place in the Library

The Library specialises in theology and philosophy. It has about 40,000 books that include Philosophy, Patrology, Theology, Bio-ethics, Church History, Canon Law and Scripture.

The Library also receives a large quantity of Journals, such as Acta Apostolicae Sedis (which dates back to 1909), La Civiltà Cattolica (dating back to 1850), L’Osservatore Romano, Concilium, Regno etc. There is also a small section of the Library dedicated to biographies and books written by the Maltese Clergy.

Although the Library is a theological one, it is open to the general public for borrowing of books or research.

Help Us to Help You in Your Research

When it comes to writing a thought-provoking dissertation or a stimulating essay, there is a simple secret. It entails in answering a basic question: Have you carefully planned your research?

Good marks are not necessarily the results of one’s impressive writing skills or wide knowledge. The learning process rests undoubtedly on one’s careful research and willingness to discover and to be challenged by new ideas.

This secret is nothing less than a formula to academic success! It is the precious key to knowledge! Said in other simple words: “a fruitful and a rewarding research depends on one’s familiarity with a specific library”.

That is absolutely true. When it comes to studying Theology, Philosophy, Scripture or Spirituality or Psychology or other related areas in the pastoral field, the Seminary Foundation for Theological Studies Library is the best on the Maltese islands. It has more than 40,000 books and around 150 periodicals for the perusal of its members.

I suggest three steps for good results through one’s research: 1. to visit and to familiarise oneself with the library, 2. to learn how to locate the books one needs, and 3. to keep regular contact & be informed of the latest books in print.

In the end, success depends on who’s embarking on a journey starting with the very first step just mentioned. Just one last thing. Feel free to visit the Library and to ask any of the librarians for help.